Endocrine Disruptors in Our Environment Linda Tseng August 6 th, 2009
Outline Introduction EDCs of interest Results and Data Current and future work
Introduction Definition of EDC – A substance that has an effect in humans similar to an effect produced by a naturally occurring estrogen, or such other endocrine effect Chemical that disrupts any part of the endocrine system
Introduction Why are we interested in them – Harmful to humans & animals alike – Ubiquitously found – Bioaccumulative – Some are recalcitrant
EDCs of Interest PFCs – Surfactants, surface protectors – Fire fighting foams, insecticides, etc. – No known natural degradation pathways Bisphenol A – Plasticizers, first used as an estrogen substitute – Polycarbonate plastics – ~15 days in river, ~4.5 hrs in air, ~30 days in soil
EDCs of Interest (Galaxolide) – Fragrance – Shampoo, perfumes, body oils, lotions, deodorants, soaps, shaving creams, conditioners, furniture polishes, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, etc.
Results & Data—PFCs PFCs
Results & Data—PFCs SC mostly has lower conc than CC LCC < UCC
Results & Data—PFCs Water conc < sediment conc Similar conc found at 3 locations (ng/L)
Results & Data—PFCs Higher conc upstream Higher conc in sediment Higher conc in CC Potential sources – Land use* – Time of day variations – GW recharge – Sediment types
DEM Flow Direction Check Sink of Flow Direction Because there were sinks in the flow direction, the sinks must be filled using Fill on the DEM, and another flow direction was created from the new DEM Flow Accumulation Threshold flow accumulation to find river network Stream Link Snap Pour Points of Watersheds Identify Watersheds
Results & Data—PFCs Why does CC have more PFCs? – Less developed land cover – GW recharge – Sediment types
Results & Data—PFCs Extraction reproducibility
Current Research & Future Plans BPA extraction from water & sediment – San Diego Creek Galaxolide extraction in water & biosolids – Partition of xenobiotics in WWTPs Future – Accumulation of xenobiotics in plants